If you see a yellow ribbon tied to a dog's leash, it has nothing to do with the 1970s hit by Tony Orlando and Dawn.
It means give the dog some space.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is endorsing the Yellow Dog Project as an effective, cost-free way to reduce the rising number of dog conflicts in the region.
"It is an international project that started in Sweden a while back and it's sort of gone viral," said Peter Longhi, the SCRD's chief building inspector and bylaw manager. "It would certainly assist in averting conflicts."
Designed to prevent altercations between dogs, the Yellow Dog Project identifies dogs that should not be approached, for whatever reason.
"By attaching a yellow ribbon to a dog's leash," says the Yellow Dog Project website, "a responsible guardian is saying, due to medical reasons, training purposes, or simply the fact that the dog is reactive around other canines, 'please do not approach this dog with your dog.' By implementing this new warning method, dogs and their human companions will be less likely to become entangled in a doggy argument or the bad reputation that follows suit."
Started in June of last year, the initiative has caught on in 43 countries, says the website.
Last month, Longhi proposed the SCRD adopt the initiative, and directors concurred.
The project is being promoted on the SCRD website and will be part of the twice-yearly dog awareness education sessions in schools. Longhi said yellow ribbons might also be given out when dog licences are issued, but he noted there is no standardized ribbon; even a yellow bag tied to the leash would send the message.
"It's not a rule. It's just a good way for people to recognize they should give the dog more room," Longhi said. "More information and more public awareness are going to make this a way to avert more public conflict."
The Yellow Dog Project is not the only measure the SCRD is looking at to curb dog incidents. A new dog control bylaw, already in draft form, will be ready for board consideration before summer, Longhi said.
Under the draft bylaw, dogs that bite may be labeled "dangerous dogs," replacing the current bylaw's definition of "aggressive dogs," and owners will face higher fines and could be ordered to take specific steps such as using muzzles or short leashes.
"There's a higher level of expectation placed on dogs that may be considered dangerous," Longhi said.
The draft would also remove references to "dangerous breeds" from the bylaw.
"We want to take that out - not single out specific breeds."
The draft bylaw also includes a provision "that gets a little more firm around tethering, how they can be tethered and how long they can be tethered," he said.
SCRD parks division staff is also proposing the board adopt a parks policy for dogs that could see the development of a dog park and off-leash trails.
"It has been demonstrated that establishing designated dog parks and off-leash areas decreases conflicts and increases compliance with leash laws in other locations," says a report from parks division staff that was scheduled to be presented April 11 to the community services committee.
Currently, the Town of Gibsons has three off-leash parks and the District of Sechelt has six designated areas while the SCRD has neither an off-leash area nor dog park, the report said.
"Conflicts between people and dogs, and between dogs themselves, have increased on the Coast. Complaints from other park users have also increased," said the report, which notes a small dog was recently killed by two large dogs in Sechelt's Kinnikinnick Park.
"Conflicts between dogs at Cliff Gilker Park have resulted in injured dogs and humans. Staff and caretakers observe minor conflicts regularly," the report said.
It also recommends the SCRD update the parks bylaw to address deficiencies regarding dogs in parks and points out the current bylaw does not require owners to pick up after their pets.
Like dog attacks, dog feces can become a liability issue for the SCRD, the report said.
"Soccer and baseball players seek to use the fields built and maintained by the SCRD for their intended use without stepping into or falling on feces. Serious injuries and disease can result," said the report.
The report also recommends creating a volunteer Dog Park Club "to host the parks and encourage responsible behaviour."
